Massamba Intore: “We’ve Starved Before, Sanctions Won’t Break Us”

Speaking at the grand finale of the Inka concert by Itorero Inyamibwa on Saturday, March 15, 2025, Massamba stated that the country has endured worse hardships in the past and emerged stronger.

Addressing a massive audience at the Kigali Conference and Exhibition Village (Camp Kigali), Massamba praised Rwanda’s resilience, recalling the country’s past struggles with war, exile, and hunger. He expressed confidence in President Paul Kagame’s leadership, saying, “We’ve been through worse—hunger, pain, and suffering. We won’t be shaken, especially with a strong leader guiding us.”

Massamba, who recently released his 12th album, emphasized that Rwanda’s liberation struggle was similar to that of other nations that fought for sovereignty. He reassured the audience that Rwanda would not be intimidated by external pressures, adding, “Those who seek to undermine us will fail. We are strong, and we have nothing to fear.”

His remarks came amid growing international scrutiny of Rwanda, particularly from Belgium, the UK, Canada, and the US, over allegations of supporting the M23 rebel group in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). These nations have imposed economic and diplomatic sanctions, which the Rwandan government has condemned as unjust and ineffective in resolving regional conflicts.

President Kagame also addressed these sanctions during a speech at BK Arena on Sunday, March 16, criticizing Belgium for lobbying against Rwanda. He questioned their motives, stating, “How can an entire nation like Belgium mobilize the world against Rwanda? Is that not shameful?” Despite mounting external pressure, Rwandan leaders and public figures like Massamba Intore continue to rally citizens to remain united and resilient.

Massamba Intore says Rwandans shouldn't fear international sanctions

Inyamibwa shines in powerful Inka Concert at Camp Kigali

">Massamba praises President Paul Kagame during Inyamibwa performance